📌 Northton, Isle of Harris
★★★★
Jutting out prominently at the southwestern corner of Harris, Ceapabhal is the highest point on a scenic, uninhabited peninsula only connected to the rest of the island by a sliver of machair in between sandy bays. The hill’s isolated position makes it one of the best viewpoints anywhere in the Outer Hebrides: from where else are North Harris, the western beaches, the south coast, the Uists and even (on a clear day) St Kilda visible from a single spot? The approach has two contrasting halves: a glorious coastal stroll taking in two pristine bays of white sand, followed by a steep (though relatively short) slog to the summit cairn with ever-improving views. On the way to the car park you’ll drive past both a cafe and Croft 36. The latter is a charming honesty shop selling pies and other treats, and the perfect place to stock up on supplies for your walk.
📷 Chronological photo guide
Machair starting to flower near the start 
Tràigh na h-Uidhe 
View back to Tràigh na h-Uidhe 
Ceapabhal beyond Tràigh na Cleabhaig 
Tràigh na Cleabhaig 
Terns at Tràigh na Cleabhaig 
Beach at the start of the ascent 
Mostly pathless lower slopes 
Lower slopes 
Oystercatcher 
Looking back down to the beaches on the west side of the peninsula 
Views from the hill path 
Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath 
Ceapabhal summit 
Looking west 
Looking north across Harris 
Croft 36, on the way to the car park
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish at Tràigh na h-Uidhe, minor road end 4 mi northwest of Leverburgh, Harris
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NF 986903
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.800862,-7.074700
🚌 Bus stops at turning point nearby
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
▶ 6 km / 4 mi | ▲ 380 m | ⌛ 3 hr
Features: 🏖️ Tràigh na h-Uidhe; 🏖️ Tràigh na Cleabhaig; △ Ceapabhal (368 m, sub-2000′ Marilyn)
⬤ Moderate | Intermittent path and sandy beaches for approach to foot of Ceapabhal, with track on return from here. Hill itself: pathless at first, but you should pick one up as you ascend.
Download file for GPS➡️ Clockwise circuit with extension to summit: start – Tràigh na h-Uidhe – Tràigh na Cleabhaig via coast (fence may need to be climbed) – gate just uphill from track near 🧭 NF 977913 – Ceapabhal – return to north end of Tràigh na Cleabhaig by outward route – start via direct track
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: A couple of (golden?) eagles soaring around the summit. Lapwings, angry terns, oystercatchers, sheep and lambs.
Weather: Mostly cloudy at start but improving to extensive sunshine by finish. Temperature in low teens.
May 2018
